Later that day, the Christchurch based Westpac Rescue Helicopter winched to men in their 30's to safety off North Head, in Akaroa peninsula, after they were caught out in a southerly front which came through around 5pm.

The pair had been kayak fishing and were caught out by rough seas which made it difficult to return to Gough Bay where they were staying.

They were forced to beach their kayaks on a remote and cliff lined section of the coast and then activated a personal locator beacon.

Conditions for rescue were made difficult by the proximity of the sheer cliff face and the Southerly wind, the crew said.

Neither of the kayakers rescued sustained any injuries, however were facing a long, cold night without shelter or warmth.